Work-life balance FAQs

What are the signs that I have a bad work-life balance?

If your brain feels like a million tabs are open 24/7 this might be a sign that you don’t have a great work-life balance. Constantly feeling behind, snapping at people you love, never having energy for anything that isn’t work, or fantasizing about quitting your job can also be signs that you need a little more balance.

Additionally, headaches and sleep issues can also be physical symptoms that show up. If you’re currently feeling like you’re always running and never arriving, it might be time to reassess.

How can I set boundaries if my job expects me to be available 24/7?

A good way to set boundaries at your job is to start small and be a little strategic. You don’t have to send a long email outlining all the boundaries you’re going to set. Instead, you could just try getting clear on your limits and then communicating them consistently. You could let your team know that from now on, you won’t be responding to emails after a certain hour unless it’s an actual emergency. 

By being clear and taking strategic action, you may be surprised how often people respect the boundaries you set.

Can working remotely improve or worsen work-life balance?

Working remotely can potentially improve and also worsen your work-life balance, depending on how it’s structured. On the one hand, when you work from home, you save time on commuting and can get household chores done more easily. On the other hand, the line between “at work” and “at home” can be a lot blurrier, and you may suddenly find yourself answering emails at midnight. 

To set better boundaries, aim to be a little more intentional about when you’re working and when you’re off. Consider designating work hours, setting up a physical workspace, and building rituals that mark the end of your workday.

How do I maintain a work-life balance?

Start looking at your work-life balance as an ever-evolving relationship. Some weeks, you’re going to crush it and leave work on time, cook dinner, and maybe even remember to water your plants. Other weeks, it might feel like total chaos — and that’s okay. You’ll get there.

A good rule of thumb to help maintain some balance is to try to check in regularly and adjust as you go. Think of it like steering a ship. Sometimes, you’re going to get blown off course, but just try to remember in those moments that you can always course-correct. 

Can I ask about work-life balance when I’m interviewing for a job?

You absolutely should ask about work-life balance when you’re interviewing for a job. You deserve to know what you’re walking into. 

If you’re not sure how to bring it up, you could try asking questions like, “How does your team approach work-life balance?” or, “What does a typical workday look like here? 

Getting the answers to these questions can really help give you insight into their policies, and also their priorities. Plus, if they seem evasive or start spouting corporate clichés, it might be a sign that they don’t have a good work-life balance policy.